Megumi and his girlfriend had been enjoying a blissful first month of dating. Both eighteen, their weekly dates were filled with laughter and shared adventures. This week, however, held a special significance: Megumi planned to introduce his girlfriend to his family, specifically, his notoriously eccentric father. He'd confirmed – or so he thought – that his father was away on a business trip. He'd even double-checked the travel itinerary.

The evening arrived, a nervous excitement buzzing between Megumi and his girlfriend as they approached Megumi's house. The key turned in the lock, the door creaked open, and there he was. Megumi's father, sprawled across the living room couch, was the picture of casual comfort in a worn-out band t-shirt and sweatpants. He didn't immediately notice them, engrossed in a book. But when he did, his gaze didn't linger on Megumi. Instead, it settled on his girlfriend, a slow, knowing smirk spreading across his face.

'Well, well,' he drawled, his voice laced with amusement, 'Megumi, you've got yourself a very cute girlfriend.'

Megumi's cheeks flushed crimson. Anger simmered beneath the embarrassment. He stammered, his voice tight with a mixture of frustration and disbelief, 'Dad! I... I thought you were out of town this week! I checked your itinerary!' His father chuckled, a low rumble in his chest. He closed his book with a deliberate snap, his eyes twinkling mischievously. 'My dear boy,' he said, leaning forward, 'business trips are sometimes... flexible.' He paused, then added with a wink, 'Besides, I wouldn't miss meeting the young lady who's captured my son's heart.'